Key Takeaways for Singapore Travelers
- Budget SGD 150-300 per day covering food, transport, and sights.
- Best months: March to May, avoiding the monsoon from November to January.
- MRT is king; get an EZ-Link card immediately.
- No chewing gum sales, strict fines for littering or jaywalking.
- Chop seats with tissues at hawker centers.
My First Trip Surprise: Singapore’s Unwritten Rules
As a local who’s called Singapore home for over a decade, I remember my first “tourist” mindset shift. Walking into a hawker center, I saw tables reserved by packets of tissue paper—”chope-ing” at its finest. This city blends futuristic skyscrapers with ironclad rules.
Chewing gum? Not sold here since 1992 to keep streets pristine, though you can bring your own for personal use. Jaywalking carries an SGD 50 fine; always use pedestrian crossings. During my early days, I got caught littering a receipt—SGD 300 lesson learned.
These rules keep Singapore one of the cleanest cities globally, as noted by Lonely Planet.
Pro Tip from Experience
“Queue properly everywhere—from MRT to chicken rice stalls. It’s sacred here,” I once told a friend visiting from Nigeria. Patience pays off with faster service.
Optimal Times to Visit Singapore
Singapore sits near the equator, so expect year-round heat at 28-32°C with high humidity. I recommend March to May for drier weather and fewer crowds, perfect for Gardens by the Bay explorations. Avoid November to January monsoons when rain pours daily; I once spent a Formula 1 weekend soaked despite ponchos.
Chinese New Year (January/February) spikes prices and hotel shortages. For events, time your trip with the Singapore Food Festival in July. Check Visit Singapore for calendars.
Arriving in Singapore: Flights and Entry Essentials
Changi Airport, voted the world’s best consistently, welcomes you with free city tours if your layover exceeds 5 hours—I did the free tram ride to Jewel waterfall.
Direct flights from major hubs like Lagos connect via Dubai or Doha. Most nationalities get 30-90 day visa-free entry; confirm via ICA.gov.sg. Download the SG Arrival Card app 3 days prior. Taxis from the airport cost SGD 20-40 to the city; the MRT is SGD 2-3. Pro tip: Use the Grab app for rides; it’s cheaper than taxis.
Navigating Singapore Like a Local
MRT and buses form the backbone; fares rose up to 10 cents in late 2025, so SGD 1-3 per ride. Buy an EZ-Link card (SGD 10, refundable) at stations or 7-Eleven.
I never take a taxi unless it’s late at night. Sentosa via cable car or monorail (SGD 15 return). Walking works in compact areas like Marina Bay. Download the CityMapper app. For airport-city: MRT to Tanah Merah, then city line, 40 minutes total.
Cost: SGD 10 loadable
Peak: 6-9am, 5-8pm; avoid if possible.
Airport to Marina Bay: SGD 25-35.
Prime Neighborhoods for Your Stay
Marina Bay suits luxury lovers with infinity pool views at Marina Bay Sands (SGD 500+/night). Orchard Road buzzes for shoppers; hotels cost SGD 150-300.
Chinatown offers heritage vibes and budget options SGD 80-150. I stayed in Bugis first—central, near MRT, vibrant nights. Avoid the outskirts unless renting a car (rare). Book via Agoda for deals. Ratings: Marina Bay Sands 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.
Breaking Down Everyday Expenses
Daily budget: SGD 150 low-end, 300 mid-range. Hawker meal: SGD 5-10; fancy dinner: SGD 50+. MRT day pass: SGD 20 unlimited.
Attractions: Gardens by the Bay SGD 30. Alcohol is pricey—beer is SGD 15. I save by hawker hopping; one meal at Maxwell Food Centre changed my view on chili crab (SGD 60 for two). Use Straits Times for updates.
Meals: SGD 57/day
Transport: SGD 28/day
Stay: SGD 92/night.
Hawker over restaurants; free Sentosa entry (pay for rides).
Must-See Attractions and Experiences
Gardens by the Bay (4.6/5 rating) stuns with the Supertree Grove light show—I watched it thrice. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark SGD 32. Sentosa for beaches, Universal Studios (SGD 80).
Cultural spots: Chinatown temples, Little India murals. Night Safari: unique, nocturnal animals (SGD 55). My personal favorite is the Botanic Gardens UNESCO site, which has free mornings.
Recommended Guided Adventures
Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off (SGD 50/day) covers Marina Bay and Botanic Gardens. Food tours in hawker centers reveal hidden gems. Free Changi tours for layovers. I joined a Crazy Rich Asians movie sites walk and spotted filming spots. Book via GetYourGuide.
Safety Measures and Emergency Prep
Singapore ranks among the safest cities; petty theft rare but watch bags in crowds. Hurricanes no, but haze June-October. Drink tap water safe. Emergency: Police 999, Ambulance/Fire 995, Non-emergency ambulance 1777. Singapore General Hospital: +65 6222 3322. Poison: 6423-9119. I never felt unsafe walking alone at 2am.
Ultra-clean, efficient transit, diverse food, safe streets.
Expensive, humid heat, strict rules, small size.
Perfect Trip Duration
5-7 days is ideal: 2 for sights, 2 for culture/food, and 1 for Sentosa/relax. I did 4 days the first time and wished for more. Extend for F1 or events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Singapore expensive for tourists?
Yes, mid-range daily costs are SGD 200, but hawker food keeps it manageable. Budget travelers hit SGD 150.
What’s the best way to get around Singapore?
MRT with EZ-Link card—efficient, air-conditioned, and covers everywhere.
Do I need a visa for Singapore?
Most get visa-free 30-90 days; check ICA for your nationality.
When is the cheapest time to visit Singapore?
February or September—post-holiday, pre-peak, lower hotel rates.
